Tuesday, 18 March: A wrap of news and developments in Karnataka—A second death has been reported in the food poisoning case in T. Kaagepura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district. Pro-Kannada organisations, led by Vatal Nagaraj, have confirmed their plans for a statewide bandh on 22 March
Published Mar 18, 2025 | 10:18 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 18, 2025 | 10:18 PM
Debt burden and inflation worries BY Vijayendra, Basanagowda Yatnal clarifies comments on Ranya Rao
Synopsis: In Tuesday’s wrap of Karnataka news— BJP State President BY Vijayendra raised concerns over Karnataka’s rising debt and inflation, while criticising the government’s focus on committed expenditures. Two more deaths were reported in a Mandya food poisoning case, while two women were killed by a falling electric pole in Bengaluru. BJP MLA Basanagowda Yatnal clarified comments on Ranya Rao. Pro-Kannada leaders confirmed a statewide bandh for 22 March
BJP State President BY Vijayendra expressed concerns about Karnataka’s rising debt, which has reached ₹7.6 lakh crore. He criticized the government’s lack of action on reducing debt and noted that 80 percent of the budget is allocated to committed expenditures, leaving little for development.
He also highlighted inflation and a decline in GDP growth, alongside slow industrial progress.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, 17 March, he stated that the Finance Minister has not implemented any measures to reduce the debt burden.
The debt continues to rise, and by the end of the 2025-26 financial year, the state government will have to pay ₹45,600 crore in interest.
By 2027-28, the interest payment alone will exceed ₹60,000 crore, and the state’s total debt is projected to surpass ₹9 lakh crore, he warned. He also pointed out that Karnataka has the highest inflation rate. Since the Congress government, took office, inflation has risen due to price hikes.
Compared to other states, Karnataka has the highest inflation rate at 5.03 percent, whereas Maharashtra’s is 3.39 percent, Andhra Pradesh’s is 4.02 percent, and Gujarat’s is 3.88 percent.
Speaking about GDP growth, he noted that under the previous BJP government in 2022-23, the state’s GDP growth was 14.2 percent, but under the Congress government in 2023-24, it has dropped to 9.6 percent.
He stressed the need to discuss the state’s worsening economic situation. He further mentioned that financial deficits have increased since the Congress government took over.
Analysing the budget, he said it has failed to satisfy any section of the population, including farmers, the poor, women, and youth. He criticised the government for neglecting priority sectors such as education and healthcare.
He also pointed out that the budget does not support the working-class communities, including Madivala, Savita Samaj, weavers, and Vishwakarma communities.
He accused the Congress government of betraying these communities despite coming to power under the banner of “Ahinda” (a coalition of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities)
A second death has been reported in the food poisoning case in T. Kaagepura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district. On Sunday, 13-year-old Kerlang died, and another student has now passed away.
Previously, a 13-year-old boy had died after consuming contaminated food at Gokul Vidya Samsthe, a private residential school in T Kaagepura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district.
The victim, identified as Kerlang, was from Arunachal Pradesh. Police investigations revealed that the food poisoning incident stemmed from leftover food served after the Holi festival at a local businessman’s house.
Investigations revealed that 27 students are still receiving treatment at the local hospital.
Two women, Sumati (35) and Soni (36), were killed after an electric pole fell on them in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru.
The pole collapsed following a collision by a JCB during roadwork. Police have registered a case against the contractor, and investigations are underway.
BJP MLA Basanagowda Yatnal condemned media distortion of his remarks regarding Ranya Rao. He clarified that his statement about Rao smuggling gold was intended to describe her evading airport security, not as a personal attack.
Yatnal criticized media for misrepresenting his words and undermining social progress.
On Monday, 17 March, Yatnal made a vulgar and sexiest comment about actor Ranya Rao, arrested in a gold smuggling case.
“There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in,” Yatnal was heard saying in Kannada in a video that was being circulated.
Pro-Kannada organisations, led by Vatal Nagaraj, have confirmed their plans for a statewide bandh on 22 March.
Demonstrators were detained as they tried to march to Raj Bhavan. Nagaraj demanded the development of North and Hyderabad Karnataka regions, action against Maharashtra’s exploitation of Kannadigas, and quicker implementation of river projects.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is set to meet Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil, in Delhi regarding the Pennar river water dispute with Tamil Nadu.
While Tamil Nadu representatives are absent, Shivakumar will attend the meeting and work towards resolving the issue.
